A lot needs to be done to enhance India's prestige: Advani

Advani also expressed confidence that India will fight and win over the menace of terrorism

On the 70th Independence day, senior BJP leader L K Advani on Monday said that being independent is not enough as a lot needs to be done to enhance India's prestige the world over.

He also expressed confidence that India will fight and win over the menace of terrorism.

"I am very happy that India is celebrating its 70th Independence day. I was present along with the countrymen at Red Fort today at the Independence Day celebrations. But a lot still needs to be done in independent India and India has to enhance its prestige the world over.

"Mere independence is not enough for Indian patriots, but an important task before it is to transform independence into self governance. The entire country is dedicated to this task today and I am confident that India will earn a good name the world over as a self-governed and best ruled country," he said after unfurling the national flag at his residence.

On Kashmir, the BJP veteran who is a former deputy prime minister said, "I have already said it is for the new government which is ruling the country to ensure that independence becomes self governance."

Asked about the happenings in PoK and Gilgit, the BJP leader said, "These days the big crisis before countries is terrorism. I hope India will not lag behind in overcoming this crisis. We are fighting this menace and I am fully confident that we will win over it."

Advani recalled how he was entrusted with the task of steering the Bharatiya Jana Sangh activities in Delhi along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee after Independence.